The main focus of my research at the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine is interstitial cystitis (IC). ICis a poorly understood syndrome of urinary frequency and pain. The paucity of objective knowledge about IC has led to a vast proliferation of theories and treatments. Some of these are sensible, but others resemble propaganda. The book "The Interstitial Cystitis Survival Guide" was written for lay people, and it presents a well-balanced description of IC causes and treatments (as of the year 2000). For the next several years, it will serve as a valuable resource for IC patients in the State College area. I hope that future research will determine the causes for IC, and that cures will be developed. In that happy event, the book will be valuable for historic interest.